Using E-Z Borrow: An Overview of the Process


  1.    A patron accesses E-Z Borrow via the Web.

  •  The Patron enters her/his barcode or patron ID number to access the system.
  • Note: The patron may log in as a "guest" to search the virtual union catalog, but a "guest" may not request items.
  • E-Z Borrow authenticates the patron by entering the circulation system of the patronâs home library.
  • E-Z Borrow provides the search interface and passes the patronâs query on to the individual OPACs.
  • E-Z Borrow "de-dupes" the search results and displays them for the patron.
  • The patron selects an item. E-Z Borrow assigns a unique number to the request.
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  • E-Z Borrow enters the first lending libraryâs circulation system (in patron or staff mode, depending on the system) and places a hold on the item. The hold is placed using one of several E-Z Borrow dummy patrons.
  • Note: E-Z Borrow does not place holds on non-circulating items or on items that do not circulate to the E-Z Borrow dummy patrons.
  • Circulation staff generate paging slips (the "pick list") using their local system; the "pick list" includes the E-Z Borrow holds.
  • Note: It is also possible to generate a "pick list" using E-Z Borrow.
  • Circulation staff pull each item listed on the "pick list".
  • Circulation staff update the E-Z Borrow record to "Shipped". E-Z Borrow automatically enters the lending libraryâs circulation system and checks the item out to the E-Z Borrow dummy patron for which the hold was placed. E-Z Borrow also provides staff with information about which library requested the book and displays the mailing address for that library.
  • Note: Circulation staff also have the option to set a request to "Not Available" (i.e. "unfilled"). In this case, E-Z Borrow will send the request to the next library in the string.
  • Circulation staff prepare a wraparound for the book that will be lent; the wraparound includes the following information: the E-Z Borrow request number, the name of the lending institution, and the name of the borrowing institution.
  • Circulation or ILL staff package and ship the item to the borrowing library; the book is shipped using IDS.
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  • Circulation staff at the borrowing library update the E-Z Borrow record to "Received". When they update a record to "Received", staff input a temporary barcode number for the item; the barcode label is attached to the wraparound. E-Z Borrow then automatically creates temporary (and suppressed) bib and item records in the borrowing libraryâs circulation system. E-Z Borrow also places a hold on the item for the person who requested it.
  • Circulation staff generate an "Availability" notice from their local system and send this notice to the patron.
  • Note: Staff at some libraries need to discharge the item in the local system in order to generate the availability notice.
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  • Circulation staff check the book out to the patron using the local circulation system. The book is checked out using the temporary barcode on the wraparound.
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  • Circulation staff discharge the item in the local circulation system.
  • Circulation staff update the E-Z Borrow record to "Returned". E-Z Borrow automatically deletes the temporary bib and item records on the borrowing library as local system.
  • Circulation or ILL staff package and ship the book back to the lending library using IDS.
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  • Circulation staff update the E-Z Borrow record to "Complete". E-Z Borrow automatically discharges the item in the local system.
  • Note: For libraries with multiple locations, staff would then discharge the book again once it reaches its proper location. At Lafayette, E-Z Borrow is designated as a separate location, so when they update a record to "Complete" in E-Z Borrow, E-Z Borrow discharges the book in the local system and "routes" it, and the staff check it in again at the appropriate location.
  • The transaction is complete.

 

    2.    E-Z Borrow passes the request on to the holding libraries; the "string" of potential lenders is system generated. 

    3.    The requested item arrives at the borrowing library. 

    4.    The patron picks up her/his book.

    5.    The patron returns the book to the Circulation Desk. 

    6. The book is received at the lending institution.